The world’s largest fuel cell exhibition, FC EXPO 2009, is about to kick off in Tokyo, and Sony will be there showing off the latest revision of its hybrid fuel cell technology. The Japanese company joined the race to find the optimum battery “formula” and came up with two worthy models that will be exhibited this week in Tokyo.

Sony developed a sugar-powered battery system in October last year, which at that time was not as efficient and its output wasn’t anywhere near to conventional batteries available. Some updates in the technology have made these batteries more efficient without sacrificing the USP of getting powered by glucose-rich materials such as a soft drink (demonstrations have been made using Coca-Cola, but I assume other similar drinks would do, too).

 

Apart from sugar-powered batteries, Sony has also announced fuel cell batteries for the event. These batteries will use methanol as the main source of energy, which will be coupled with an auxiliary lithium-ion battery system. These batteries will come with a USB port to make them compatible with a vast range of gadgets. The fuel cells are touted to keep a cellphone charged for up to a month. Power made by the methanol fuel cell that is not used is stored in the battery pack.

 

Just like their predecessors, the sugar-powered batteries won’t do well inside portable gadgets. However, the research does show the potential of natural materials when it comes to generating electricity in an environmentally clean way.

 

At the event, Sony will also show off hybrid cordless home stereo speakers, which could be powered for a full year from a single bottle of methanol fuel. If and when the devices become shipping retail products isn't known, though fuel cell products are known to be among Sony’s plans, plus other companies that make notebooks and other long-life portable devices.

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